A new rehabilitation exercise programme which is set to launch has taken inspiration from a similar scheme in Bridport.

'C'Fit' is a new set of regular exercise classes for anyone with a cancer diagnosis, either undergoing treatment or in recovery.

The sessions will be run by C'Siders Weymouth and Portland Cancer Group and Osprey Leisure Centre at the centre.

The classes have been funded by grants, which will allow for a year's programme to be run, with £2300 provided from Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, £1000 from About Face, a head and neck cancer charity based in Poole, and £3500 from Macmillan.

The programme has taken inspiration from the 'Stepping Out' programme in Bridport, which is run at the leisure centre with the support of cancer support group The Living Tree, and has been running since 2015.

The service has seen more than 100 people use it, and 72 per cent of those living with and beyond cancer, continue to be active 12 months after first joining the scheme.

Jo Perfect who runs 'Stepping Out', said: "I'm so glad that C'Fit is starting soon.

"There aren't many activities tailored towards people living with and beyond cancer in West Dorset, so it will be a great service to have in Weymouth."

Patients for the C'Fit scheme should be referred to the programme by their health team or GP.

An assessment will then be carried out with trainer Dawn, the hired Level 4 cancer Rehab Exercise Instructor, so that she knows what support to provide.

This will be based on the patients stage of treatment or recovery and any other problems they may have.

There are then 12 free sessions before either moving onto other classes or continuing with C'Fit at the usual Osprey price per session.

Peter Meacham of C'Siders said: "The worst part about cancer or any disease is where people shut down, both socially and physically, which is more of a killer.

"They shut down socially and don't feel they have the energy to meet people.

"This program provides the an opportunity and implements steps to overcome these resistances."

Jo added: "It would be great if more schemes like these were available throughout the country."

The 12-week free programme of weekly hourly sessions will take at the Osprey Leisure Centre from Wednesday, May 2.

For more information about the sessions or to get a GP referral form, contact Dawn Haigh on 01305 824378.

For more information on C'Siders, visit csiders.org